Water scarcity and sustainable management are no longer future challenges—they are current priorities. Recently, the Attica Water Lab – Sympraxis for Water Conservation & Reuse reached a major milestone by hosting its 1st General Assembly at the premises of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Attica.

This gathering wasn’t just a meeting; it was a powerful demonstration of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together public authorities, local government, industry leaders, the agricultural and tourism sectors, academia, water utilities, and civil society. The assembly focused on two pillars critical to the region’s future: water conservation and water reuse.

Through a series of round table discussions, participants tackled the practicalities of creating a favorable framework for reclaimed water. By identifying the specific non-potable water needs across Attica, the Lab is moving away from theoretical discussion toward practical, scalable solutions that serve both the economy and the environment.

Major Milestones: Joining the EU Stage

The event was marked by several high-impact developments that solidify Attica’s role in the European water landscape:

  • EU Recognition: Andrea Rubini, Director of Operations of Water Europe, officially welcomed Attica Water Lab into the EU Water-Oriented Living Labs (WoLLs) network. This positions the lab as a key European platform for circular water management.

  • Formal Commitment: Partners agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensuring long-term cooperation and accountability.

  • A Roadmap for 2026: The assembly discussed the work plan for the first half of 2026, supported by critical findings from the Master Plan for Water Reuse in Attica prepared by EYDAP.

For the ToDrinQ project, the success of the Attica Water Lab is a significant development. Our project is built on the ambition to support the transition to more resilient water systems through stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange.

The Attica Water Lab serves as a “real-world” mirror to ToDrinQ’s goals. It bridges the gap between technical innovation and implementation needs, showing exactly how collaborative structures can align water utilities, researchers, and sectoral users to achieve sustainable management.